Bible Book

1 Thessalonians

Pauline Epistles • New Testament • 5 Chapters

Summary

The New Testament’s eighth Pauline Epistle; the thirteenth book of the New Testament; the fifty-second book of the Bible.

Author: Paul, Silvanus (Silas), and Timothy, named directly in 1 Thessalonians 1:1.

Audience: Paul wrote to the church he founded in the city of Thessalonica during his second missionary journey (Acts 17:1–9). Though he lived among these people only a short time, he shows great love for these Gentile believers in this, his first of two letters to them. The Thessalonians likely faced severe persecution, and had sent many questions to Paul, which he addresses throughout the letter.

Date: Approximately AD 51.

Illustrative Verse

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Thessalonians 5:23

Explanation

Some members of the Thessalonian church had passed away, and the church wasnt entirely sure what happened to Christians when they died. Expecting an imminent return of Christ, they werent entirely sure how death played into the second coming. Paul wrote this first letter to them to encourage and instruct them about these topics.

Study Resources

McGee Notes

Synopsis on Bible Hub

Introduction on ESV

Read Chapters

1Thess. 1 1Thess. 2 1Thess. 3 1Thess. 4 1Thess. 5